Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 09:21:56 -0600
From: Danni Bailey
Subject: Decisions - Chapter 20
Disclaimer: This story has homosexual themes. If you are under 18, or if
reading such stories offend you, don't read any further. I know none of
the members of NSYNC personally and therefore I have no idea of their
sexual preferences. This is fantasy folks!
Chapter 20
You found it incomprehensible that any place could be this humid. You were
only outside for seconds, but the Louisiana heat had already made beads of
sweat appear on your forehead. You looked at your watch as you entered the
hotel and took a second glance. Being on the tour made you loose track of
the time, as well as the day, but you felt sure your watch had stopped.
There was no way it could be this hot at 7:00 am, but the bright orange sun
peaking between the buildings confirmed your worst fears. Your watch was
right, and New Orleans had to be the hottest city on earth.
Johnny had just finished getting the keys as you entered the lobby of the
Royal Sonesta Hotel. Its decor showed an obvious French influence and
although the outside was not particularly attractive, the inside was
magnificent. Not at all what you expected from a Bourbon Street Hotel.
"Where's Justin?" Johnny asked as he handed you the room keys.
"He's still in his bunk. I thought I'd grab our keys before I woke him up.
He was pretty tired."
He's ok, isn't he?" Johnny asked with concern.
"Yeah, he's fine, but doing back to back shows is hard on all of them, so I
figured I'd just let him sleep as much as he could."
"Well, I'd like to think they could get some rest since we have tomorrow
off, but I doubt that is gonna happen. Having all five groups together in
New Orleans was probably not my best move, but it just happened to fit
everyone's schedule."
You had to laugh. Johnny didn't miss much, but he obviously hadn't noticed
what you had in regards to the five combined concerts.
"Johnny, I doubt seriously that New Orleans just "happened to fit" into
their schedule. Look at the four other cities, Las Vegas, New York, San
Diego and Orlando. All party towns Johnny. I'm afraid you've been had.
"God dammit, I never even paid attention to that! That's all I need!"
You turned and headed toward the bus, but couldn't help looking over your
shoulder to a very frustrated Johnny Wright.
"Sorry, man. They got you!"
He mumbled something quietly to himself and you had to chuckle as you
boarded the bus. Everyone was awake, except for Justin, and you started
handing out the keys and pointed toward the door.
"Be prepared. It's like a fucking sauna out there. How do people live in
this stuff?"
Lance immediately responded. "Come on Gary, the South isn't so bad. It
just takes some getting use to."
"I have no intention of staying here long enough to get use to it," you
informed him. "You can have it." Then you asked, "So are you and JC
rooming together?"
"We are for now. Not sure about later. I'll probably room with Drew. I
have a feeling he's gonna get kicked out of his room."
"I take it Jessica is going to be joining Nick here?
"That's what Nick is hoping for," Lance said with a huge grin, "and we all
know what Joey is hoping for."
"Joey can forget it. There is no way Johnny is gonna let him anywhere near
Britney."
Joey snatched a key from your hand. "What makes you think Johnny is gonna
find out, smart ass."
"He will Joey, trust me," you warned him.
Joey shook his head. "You're talking to a pro, Gary. I got it covered."
"I hope so," you said with a tone of disbelief. "I'd hate to see your ass
restricted to a hotel room in this town. This place has Joey Fatone
written all over it."
He winked as he exited the bus. "Gary, believe me, if I'm in a hotel room
it's because that's exactly where I want to be. And I won't be alone."
You headed toward the back of the bus and slowly pulled back the curtain on
Justin's bunk. God he was adorable when he was sleeping!
You rubbed his back gently and whispered. "J, I have our room key. Let's
go upstairs where you can get some real sleep."
"I am sleeping," he said grumpily. "Can't I just stay here?"
"Justin, you're not sleeping in the bus. Come on, I've got your bag.
Another five minutes and you be asleep in a comfortable bed."
"Will you carry me?" he asked in his most pitiful tone.
You kissed his cheek and quickly answered. "No way, but I'll rub your back
when we get upstairs, is that a deal?"
He said nothing, but the look of disappointment was evident on his face as
he sat up and pulled a t-shirt over his head and made his way towards the
front of the bus. He leaned against you in the elevator, struggling to
keep his eyes open. It was evident early on that this tour was far more
strenuous than last years. In the past, doing back to back shows was
tough, but now it was close to impossible. They had done shows Tuesday and
Wednesday nights in Tampa, then after only a few hours of sleep boarded the
bus for the trip from Tampa to New Orleans. Your mind flashed forward to
the last week in July. Four shows at Madison Square Garden, an appearance
on the 'Today' show and the Challenge for the Children. You looked down at
Justin resting on your chest with his eyes closed. Four shows in four
days! No way!
Lonnie's massive frame and sympathetic face greeted you as the elevator
door opened.
He shook his head. "So do you want me to take the bags or him."
You looked at Justin and it amazed you how quickly this kid could fall
asleep. "Thanks Lonnie, if you could take the keys and open the door, I'll
take care of him."
Lonnie took the key and picked up your two duffle bags and headed toward
your room.
You carefully lifted Justin and cradled him in your arms as you made your
way down the hall. He immediately wrapped his arms around neck and nuzzled
his face in your chest.
"I pulled the covers back so you can just lay him down" Lonnie informed you
when you entered the room. "Do you need anything else?"
The guys were so lucky to have Lonnie, and it made you wonder how many
hours he slept a day. He was always up before the guys and never went to
sleep until the last one was settled. They would be lost without him.
"No, Lonnie, but thanks," you said sincerely.
As Lonnie closed the door behind him, you looked at your sleeping
lover. You sat on the edge of the bed and ran your fingers through his soft
curls. He opened his eyes slightly and a small grin formed.
"I knew you'd carry me," he said softly.
You pulled the covers over him and kissed him gently on the forehead.
"So did I," you whispered. You undressed quickly, curled up next to him
wrapping your arms around his waist, and within minutes you were in a deep
sleep.
You stared intently at the three ring binder that had now become an
integral part of your life. It was over 100 laminated pages, divided by
tabs so that each area of the show had its own section. One specifically
for lighting, sound, pyro and set changes. Even wardrobe changes had been
incorporated as the guys changed microphones for certain songs. You had a
master copy that included all of these, with each area being assigned its
own print color so you could carefully orchestrate the show. Your normal
position for the show was at the soundboard, but you had a wireless headset
and could move throughout the venue with ease and still be in constant
communication with the crew.
Of course, Justin had been adamant that you be back stage when the show was
over and since your job was mostly completed by that point in the show, you
had arranged that easily. He had adjusted better than you thought he would
to your busy schedule on concert days. His only real complaint was that
from the soundboard you couldn't see him during God Must Have Spent, so his
wink to you was moved to This I Promise You, when the revolving stage was
closest to the soundboard.
It was five minutes until the guys took the stage and you touched base with
the crew to ensure everything was set and ready to go. Other than Chris'
continual complaining about the show's opening, (he was still not thrilled
about being suspended from the rigging by a harness) everything was in
place. One last item to take care of and you would be ready. You switched
channels on your microphone.
"Hey babe, I love you. Have a great show."
Instead of Justin's voice you heard Chris' coming through your earpiece in
unbelievable attempt to imitate Justin.
"I love you too."
"Fuck you Chris. Where's Justin?"
Chris laughed loudly. "Didn't fall for it huh? Justin is getting his
headset hooked up now."
A second later you could hear Justin's voice. "Sorry, I'm running a little
late. I couldn't get my mic hooked up."
"No problem, I just wanted to tell you I love you and have a good show."
"I love you too Gary, see you after the show."
Less than a minute later the music started and the deafening screams of
over 40,000 fans filled the Superdome. Although you knew you were somewhat
biased, it still amazed you how good their performance was. The hours of
planning and rehearsals, not to mention the million dollar price tag, had
paid off. You had yet to see a disappointed fan, and with the addition of
the other four bands, this was a concert people would not soon forget. You
made you way backstage in time for the last number and had a chilled bottle
of water and a towel waiting for Justin as he rushed backstage, removing
his shirt and ear-in as you both made you way toward the bus.
"Damn, that felt good" he yelled to the others as they clamored aboard the
bus.
Chris agreed wholeheartedly. "Hell, yeah it did. We were so 'on'
tonight."
Lonnie's booming voice interrupted them. "Where the fuck is Joey?" he
asked angrily.
Lance knew, but was not thrilled about sharing his information with Lonnie.
"Uhh, I'm not sure, but he may be riding on Britney's bus."
"Like hell he is!" Lonnie screamed. "I'm gonna kick his ass for this one.
We don't have time for this shit." Lonnie stormed off the bus, and
everyone took a moment to look around the room before breaking out into
laughter.
"Joey is in so much trouble" JC chuckled. "He should have known better."
"Did you see Lonnie's face?" Lance added, "I swear I thought he was gonna
spontaneously combust!"
It was less than thirty seconds when a grinning Joey boarded the bus
unaware that Lonnie was directly behind.
"Hmm...I think I pissed him off," Joey said sarcastically.
Immediately, Lonnie spun him around grabbing his shirt as he did and
bringing Joey's face within inches of his own.
"You're damn right you did. Have you totally forgotten my rules?" he
screamed.
Fortunately, Joey's demeanor changed as he answered Lonnie. "No, I know
the rules. Straight to the bus. No stopping."
"Then why the fuck didn't you do it?"
Joey was silent.
"You pull a stunt like that again and I'll not only kick your ass, but I'll
make sure it's stuck in a hotel room for the rest of the tour! Have I made
myself clear?"
"Yes, very" Joey said apologetically.
"Good!" he said as he released Joey from his clutches, and as he turned to
exit the bus he added "and Joey, nice show. You dance pretty good for a
white boy."
A huge grin covered Joey face, not to mention an obvious show of relief.
"Thanks, man"
The rest of you roared with laugher as Joey's heart tried its best to
return to a normal beat.
"Hey, that was kinda fun," Chris remarked, "but I'm ready for some REAL
fun.
We have totally stressed ourselves out the past few weeks. I say it's
time for a break, and what better city than New Orleans!"
"And I know just the place!" Lance added. "It's perfect. It's called
Razoos. I hung out there last time we were in town. The staff allows no
press and the clientele respects each other's privacy. Whatever happens in
the club, stays in the club and the DJ is awesome. Non-stop dance music
until 4:00am.
JC jumped up and covered Lances mouth with his hand. "Ok, Lance enough.
You've convinced us. You're starting to sound like the Visitor's
Information Center." Then looking at the rest of you he asked, "So, what
do you guys think? Is it a go?"
Justin looked at you hoping for approval. "What about it Gary? This could
be perfect. We could just be ourselves. No worries about what tomorrow's
headlines would be or concerns about someone seeing us together. I know
how you feel about clubs, but this could be a lot of fun."
You started to respond, but Justin never gave you a chance, instead he
continued to present his case. "...and Lance has already checked it out.
Good music and a hot DJ. This is too good to be true. He paused
momentarily, but you could tell it was only to catch his breath.
"Justin, you're as bad as Lance. You don't have to sell me on this idea.
Actually, I was thinking we could all use an excursion to take some of the
heat off. Count me in!"
"YES!" Justin yelled excitedly as he placed himself on your lap. "This is
gonna be off the hook. All of us in a club together. I'm gonna dance my
ass off."
"Haven't you had enough dancing for your night?" you asked.
"Hell, no!" he said excitedly. "That was show dancing. This is for fun."
Danni leaned over and whispered in your ear. "Glad he's yours. You're
gonna have your hands full tonight. That boy is really wound up."
"My hands!" you laughed. "What about yours? Is Chris gonna be dancing
like that in the club?"
She turned to see what you were referring to and shook her head at the
site.
In front of her was her fiance performing a rather seductive lap dance
with Lance as the innocent victim. Lance was trying his best to refrain
from laughing and at the same time keep Chris' grinding pelvis out of his
face.
"Christopher Allen! You better get that out of you system right now. Don't
even think you are going to be dancing like that in a club."
Chris moved his act away from Lance and now positioned himself directly in
front of Danni. "Well, can I do it in private?"
As easily predicted, Danni grabbed Chris' hips and pulled them next to
hers, grinning widely. "All night long, baby! I'm all yours." With that
she pressed her lips against his and put her tongue deep into his mouth
while her hands caressed his ass. They danced for several seconds until
suddenly Chris pulled a way, grabbed a towel and headed toward the back of
the bus.
"Am I the only one who is desperate need of a cold shower?" he yelled back
to the rest of you.
Danni put on her most innocent look "I'm afraid so, sweetie. The rest of
us are fine."
"That is so unfair Danni!" Chris complained. "This is a waste of a
perfectly good hard on!"
You could feel the tears run down your cheeks as you laughed. Damn she was
good.
TBC.....comments to Dannibailey@hotmail.com